1964 American Motors Rambler Classic 770

- Family Owned Since New - 41k Original Miles - All Original - Survivor Rambler

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“Rambler—the ideal car for the whole family” -1964 Rambler advertisement appearing in Reader's Digest

While the legendary George Romney had departed from American Motors by the time the Rambler Classic intermediate-size sedan reached the market, his ground-breaking philosophy of smaller-sized sedans with improved efficiency in the form of better mileage, was reflected in the new model. Dick Teague, who would later create the Javelin and the AMX was part of the Rambler Classic's design team.

About the size of today's Toyota Camry, the 188.8-inch Rambler Classic 770 (the highest of three trim levels) was honored with Motor Trend's “Car of the Year” award in 1963 citing its innovative engineering. Those innovations included combining many separate parts in the body into single stampings. The component reduction included the 'uni-side' door-surround that also improved door-fit. Vehicle weight was reduced by 200 pounds while structural rigidity was increased. Equipped with a new 287 cubic-inch V8, the cars delivered excellent 20 mpg fuel economy. Romney must've been proud.

Throughout its six-year run in the American Motors model line-up, the Classic was the high-volume seller for the independent automaker. For 1964, only minor trim items were changed resulting in cars like the Rambler Classic offered here. In fact, if you could go back in time, walk into an American Motors dealership, and manage to sneak this Rambler Classic example on the showroom floor, it would've likely been accepted as just another of the new display models. It's that well preserved.

The car's Empire Gold paint still shows good gloss overall. It's a perfect mid-Sixties color. Exterior chrome trim is in excellent condition, as are the car's lighting lenses, windshield and curved side glass (a first for American-made popular-priced cars), and new-for-'64 flush-mounted single-piece front grille. Emblems and badges are all in place, including the V8 fender emblem. Full wheel covers with “R” branding are in excellent condition; narrow-whitewall Uniroyal Tiger Paw tires are mounted.

Inside, this Rambler Classic shows off upmarket upholstery and trim with well coordinated colors throughout. Un-cramped comfort and style were two features salespeople always pointed out. Trim on all four doors is rendered in three complementing colors. Bench-seat upholstery—which must have been covered for much of the car's life given its exceptional condition—shows a two-tone gold palate. Brown carpeting is in place throughout protected with Rambler-branded rubber mats. The dashboard's gauge cluster is a vintage Sixties design statement, as is the branded “power steering” wheel. The three-speed automatic transmission shifter is column-mounted. A push-button factory AM radio remains installed, as does an analog clock. When opened, the glove box features four “cup indents” to (slightly) reduce accidental drink spills at the drive-in. The car's trunk is as clean and tidy as its passenger compartment.

The engine bay is complete (including the Rambler-branded windshield-washer-fluid bag), but not detailed. Underneath, the car shows its years with a good deal of surface rust across most areas. No body-panels exhibit rust.

Overall, this Rambler Classic 770 survivor exhibits excellent, drive-ready--and show-ready--condition. Available at the GarageKeptMotors website, are more than 165 high-definition photographs of the car, taken from virtually every angle including from underneath. The short walk-around-and-startup video gives a brief audio sampling of the 200-horsepower V8. We encourage in-person inspections of the car at our Grand Rapids, Michigan showroom. Please call or email us first to arrange an appointment, or to ask any questions.

American Motors enthusiast collectors are known to be exceptionally loyal. passionate, and knowledgeable. We'll be expecting to hear from one or more of them very soon. This Rambler Classic 770 really is that good. Plus, you can't beat all known ownership history and only 41k original miles. Call or e-mail if interested. Thank you for looking.